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Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales
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- Regular Price :$11.89Special Offer: Learn how to get this for $7.49 !
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Average Customer Rating
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LENGTH3 hrs and 45 mins
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RELEASE DATE07-01-09
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AUDIO FORMATS
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Program TypeAudiobook
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PUBLISHER
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Audible Editor Reviews
in a unique effort to raise money for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Artists for New South Africa, 23 narrators recorded as many African Folktales hand-picked by Mandela for this collection. The narrators — ranging from Samuel L. Jackson to Whoopi Goldberg to Charlize Theron — are notable actors. Half the fun of listening to these tales is trying to guess who's reading. While some voices are more distinctive than others — kudos to Alan Rickman (perhaps best known now for his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series) who uses his pebbly baritone and stop-go cadence to full, dark effect in "The Ring of the King" — all are entertaining. Also listen for "Fesito Goes to the Market", where Don Cheadle enunciates as loudly, clearly, and confidently as the best live storytellers, while giving each character a different attitude with a remarkable range of tones. Helen Mirren, too, gives a standout performance — reaching the point where strength and vulnerability collide — in the epic and bittersweet "The Mother Who Turned to Dust".
The stories themselves are classic morality tales, including kings and children, lions and hyenas, gold and magic. Some of the lessons are straightforward, others more cryptic, but each legend is its own full and colorful world. The stories, which average about 10 minutes each, are perfect for children — not that they're at all childish. The universal themes hit hard; the tales don't always end happily, but they're light and wondrous enough for children, while being deep enough for adults (or kids) who choose to look further. At under four hours, the collection is short, but there's enough here that you'll want to listen over and over again — it's sure to become a favorite bedtime ritual. —Kelly MaragesPublisher's Summary
The audiobook was a truly international affair, recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, and Johannesburg. The stories were chosen by the Nobel Laureate himself, from every region of Africa.
Net proceeds will benefit the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Artists for New South Africa, which works in the U.S. and South Africa to combat HIV/AIDS, provide comprehensive assistance to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, advance human rights, educate and empower at-risk youth, and build bonds between both nations. Both organizations are working to address the impact of the AIDS pandemic on children in South Africa.
All the individuals and companies involved in the effort have donated their services to allow a maximum amount of proceeds to benefit the charities. In addition to waiving sales and distribution fees, Hachette Audio will donate 100% of proceeds to ANSA and NMCF, and NB Publishers has waived fees, so additional royalties can benefit NMCF. The audiobook was manufactured by Ivy Hill/Cinram, which is donating a significant portion of their services. The actors, creative director, engineers, graphic designers, attorneys, and recording studios fully donated their services, as did three-time Grammy winner Gavin Lurssen, who mastered the audiobook.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
(P)2009 Hachette Audio
What the Critics Say
"In tales such as these, the dream-like, unpredictable symbology and sometimes cruel morality of myths resonate, and, in Mandela's words, the 'gritty essence of Africa' shines through in stories with universal themes." (Publishers Weekly)
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What Members Say
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"Exotic, fun and fascinating"
When you buy this book, be sure to download the accompanying reference guide and then seek out the 5 extra stories not included in the album. I have no idea why all the stories weren't bundled in together.
The folk tales make you think, and provide some interesting explanations for why certain things are the way they are.
The music by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela adds a great multimedia touch, and the songs can be played separately from their stories as well. The reference guide has a translation of the words of the Zulu songs.
The extra tracks are:
Spider and the Crows
The Lion, the Hare, and the Hyena
The Cloud Princess
The Cat Who Came Indoors
Mmadipetsane
Thanks to Audible for making this collection available worldwide.40 of 41 people found this review helpful -
"South African childhood"
For anyone who grew up in South Africa, this takes you right back! Would have like some African voices to have read it out though...Good stories for your children if you have emmigrated from SA....
10 of 11 people found this review helpful -
Deshanta Sandton, South Africa 12-20-11A lover of books, technology, music, earthiness, food and great conversations. I make light work of social media marketing and SEM.
- HELPFUL VOTES
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"Magical for children and adults alike"
What made the experience of listening to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales the most enjoyable?The tales of famous African folklore was brought to life by the actors and actresses that took part in the narration. It was awesome to listen to these stories as if each and every Holloywood narrator were reading it to me and only me at bedtime.
What did you like best about this story?The variety of folk tales that span the entire African continent and not just South Africa.
Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?Alan Rickman's and Whoopi Goldberg's narration stood out for me.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful -
"Great for an English teacher to have on hand"
Would you listen to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales again? Why?Easy to listen to -- even if you just listen to one or two stories at a time
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"Uplifting and fun"
This compilation is great to listen to in the car. There are different voices, male and famale, African and not, and tales ranging from quick and Aesop-like to longer, from Table Mountain to north African stories. Each carries a rhythm of Africa and occasionally a song embedded.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
Sherrie Dunford Utah 07-30-11 Member Since 2009tired teacher
- HELPFUL VOTES
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"A Good Listen"
I enjoyed listening to these little stories. They were made more endearing by the fact that Nelson Mandela picked them out from among his favorites. The narrators were well chosen and did a truly great job. The music, accents, the whole direction of these stories came together to set an enjoyable ambiance. It has a delicious African flavor, and teaches some good lessons in the mean time.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"Some very cool stories"
I bought this for the kids and found myself listening too it over again. Loved the multiple celeb narrations, made it even cooler.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Great in the car! The music adds interest."
Would you listen to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales again? Why?Yes! Unique stories.
What did you like best about this story?The moral lessons w/out being contrite.
Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?Too many to pick.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?Kids from 8-15 yrs. old all listened w/interest.
Any additional comments?The african influenced music made it all the more captivating.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Get it now! It's Awesome!"
Would you listen to Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales again? Why?We've already listened to it twice in 2 days! All the stories are fun and quite funny as well. Not too much moralising, just great stories.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales?The story of Kasingi taking banans and pawpaws and chickens to market. Very funny.
Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?Whoopi Goldber's story of the Djinn.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?Yes!
Any additional comments?Very good value for money, told all my friends about it.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
Juliana Chevy Chase, MD, United States 07-23-12 Member Since 2011
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"Great CD! No Story/Performer list"
What did you love best about Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales?Alan Rickman! Alan Rickman! Alan Rickman!
What did you like best about this story?The stories were funny, engaging and appropriate for children and adults. The stories and performers (most of them - not all) are worth listening to repeatedly. I highly recommend this CD. Plus, purchase goes to a good cause.
Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?Alan Rickman! There is not enough praise for him. Other readers left wonderful stories flat. Some actors are personalities and not trained actors so only their fame earned them a place with the real talent.
Any additional comments?If you have any hesitation purchasing this CD, don't! It is an excellent compilation and well performed album for anyone of any age or gender.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful